Poem Analysis:
Ernest Hemingway's poem "Oklahoma" is a brief but evocative exploration of the changing landscape and cultural shifts in the American West. Set against the backdrop of a land once inhabited by Native Americans, the poem contemplates the impact of colonization, industrialization, and the passage of time. In this analysis, we will examine the themes, imagery, and the underlying sense of loss and transformation that permeate Hemingway's poem.
Loss of Native American Culture: The poem opens with a stark statement, "All of the Indians are dead," immediately setting the tone for a reflection on the decimation of Native American populations through violence, disease, and displacement. The phrase "a good Indian is a dead Indian" underscores the prevailing attitudes of the time, highlighting the cruelty and prejudice faced by indigenous communities during westward expansion. Hemingway's portrayal of the vanished native population serves as a poignant reminder of the historical injustices committed against them.
Industrialization and Wealth: The second stanza of the poem touches on the consequences of industrialization in Oklahoma. Hemingway references the newfound wealth brought about by oil exploration in the region. The line "the oil lands, you know, they’re all rich" suggests that economic prosperity has come at the expense of the original inhabitants. The juxtaposition of newfound wealth with the earlier loss of life and culture underscores the complex and often troubling legacy of westward expansion.
Environmental Change and Decline: Hemingway's descriptions of the landscape in Oklahoma provide a sense of the changing environment. The mention of "smoke smarts my eyes" and "cottonwood twigs and buffalo dung" evoke a once-pristine natural world now marred by industrialization and pollution. The phrase "the grass has gone brown in the summer" hints at ecological decline, possibly due to overgrazing or agricultural practices. This portrayal of environmental degradation highlights the impact of human activity on the land.
Transformation and Adaptation: The poem also touches on themes of transformation and adaptation. The line "Pull an arrow out: If you break it, The wound closes" suggests a resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. This resilience may reflect the survival of Native American cultures in the face of adversity, as well as the capacity for healing and growth.
Human Suffering and Disease: The poem's closing lines introduce a note of personal suffering and physical ailments. Hemingway references "gonorrhea," a sexually transmitted infection, suggesting the prevalence of disease in this changing landscape. This reference may symbolize the personal suffering experienced by individuals in the wake of societal upheaval.
Ernest Hemingway's "Oklahoma" is a thought-provoking and compact exploration of the profound changes that occurred in the American West during the era of westward expansion. Through concise language and vivid imagery, the poem touches on themes of loss, cultural transformation, industrialization, and environmental degradation. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often painful history of the American frontier, inviting readers to contemplate the enduring consequences of colonization and societal change. Hemingway's poem captures the essence of a changing landscape and a people grappling with the past and adapting to an uncertain future.